Pregnancy and Fifth disease What is Fifth disease? Fifth disease is a virus that commonly infects humans; about 50% of all adults have been infected sometime during childhood or adolescence. Fifth disease infects only humans. There are also animal parvoviruses…
Depression during Pregnancy
What is depression? Depression is more than just feeling “blue” or “down in the dumps” for a few days. It’s a serious illness that involves the brain. With depression, sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings don’t go away and interfere…
Pregnancy and Dental Care
Pregnancy is a time of many changes, including changes in the mouth and oral health It is important for pregnant women to get their teeth cleaned, examined and have any needed dental work done before their baby is born Preliminary…
Pregnancy and Chicken Pox
How long after receiving varicella vaccine should a woman wait to become pregnant? The woman shouldn’t become pregnant for at least one month following each dose of the vaccine. This differs from the package insert, which recommends a three-month delay.…
Pregnancy and Cats
Pregnant women need to be aware that there is a condition called toxoplasmosis (TOX-so-plaz-MO-sis) can be caused by cats and can cause problems with pregnancy, including abortion. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite…
Antidepressant Medications during Pregnancy
Is it safe to take antidepressant medication during pregnancy? Antidepressant medications pass across the placental barrier, potentially exposing the developing fetus to the medication. Some research suggests the use of SSRIs during pregnancy is associated with miscarriage and/or birth defects,…
Pregnancy and Alcohol
Drinking Can Hurt Your Baby When you are pregnant, your baby grows inside you. Everything you eat and drink while you are pregnant affects your baby. If you drink alcohol, it can hurt your baby’s growth. Your baby may have…
IPS
Integrated Prenatal Screening (IPS) Every pregnant woman hopes for a healthy baby. Although most babies are healthy, it’s normal to wonder about your baby. This pamphlet describes a prenatal screening test called IPS (Integrated Prenatal Screening). A screening test does…
High-risk pregnancy
What causes a high-risk pregnancy? Before a woman becomes pregnant, it is important for her to have good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Good prenatal care and medical treatment during pregnancy can help prevent complications. But there are factors that can be present…
Breastfeeding
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby? Ideal Contains all what your baby needs. Reduces the risk of infection Less diarrhea and vomiting, chest infections, and ear infections compared to babies who are on formula. That’s because of…